Capsule based system for preparing and dispensing a beverage

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a container and (2) the automated method for opening such container and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a customer receptacle or glass.

This is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 13/293,043 filedNov. 9, 2011 which claimed the benefit of provisional application No.61/411,786 filed Nov. 9, 2010. application Ser. No. 13/293,043 and Ser.No. 61/411,786 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to systems for dispensing a beverage. Theinvention also relates to capsule used in a system for dispensing abeverage and methods of dispensing a beverage from a capsule.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are a number of devices and techniques for dispensing a beveragesuch as, for example, a cup of coffee or tea from a capsule. In oneapproach a disposable container fits on top of a cup and has acompartment for receiving a beverage extract such as coffee with a largereservoir on top into which a person must pour boiling water. Thesedevices can be disposable but expensive, the coffee is exposed to theair where it can easily get stale or contaminated, and they are notgenerally suitable for automatic coffee making or other beveragemachines. Because the flow rate of beverage is generally slow, thesedevices are typically large relative to the volume of beveragedispensed. Also, these devices can be designed to be used upright andonly the bottom area is available for filtration flow and thiscontributes to the slowness of the filtration process. In oneconstruction, a filter is provided in a sealed receptacle and a supportmember is included intermediate the receptacle and filter whichfunctions to support the filter. When the filter is wetted, it sags andconforms with the support member which has a hole in it to release thefiltered beverage but otherwise blocks the output of the filter. Such afilter design used in an application where water is injected underpressure would provide low flow rates.

There are several known companies operating proprietary capsule basedmachines in the coffee and tea space, including Nestle's Nespresso,Green Mountain Coffee Roaster's Keurig, and Kraft's Tassimo. Mars Flaviaand Britta Yource are machines utilizing a pouch-style single usedispensing system.

Currently, there are three other machines attempting to commercialize asimilar capsule/pod based single-serve point of use beverage system.Omnifrio uses a puncture mechanism, which punctures the top and bottomof the capsule allowing a syrup concentrate to drain out. Bevyz uses apressure mechanism to pop open the capsule to enable a mixing process.Finally, Esio makes a machine that offers a single serve beveragesolution using a pouch system.

When cold drinks are dispensed in a system in which the beverage isprepared by mixing cold fluid, usually water with a powder, onesignificant challenge is that the powder will not dissolve effectivelyduring the mixing process. This can lead to poor quality output from thebeverage system and unsightly and possibly unhealthful residue in themachine itself. The present invention is intended to provide a systemfor providing a hot, cold ambient temperature mixed beverage designed toenable the effective mixture of the powder with the cold liquid duringdispensing providing for little or no residue, contamination or crosscontamination between beverages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention is to offer a compelling alternative tobottled water and other water based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. Theinvention is meant to offer a convenient, reliable, and cost effectivePoint of Use solution to the consumer's hydration and beverage needs.The invention is a single-serve beverage system that can produceunlimited chilled filtered water as well as single serve uniquebeverages through a proprietary capsule-based system. The invention canbe cold, hot, still (not sparkling), flavored, enhanced, ultra purifiedfiltered waters and flavors.

The capsules contain a powder or a liquid which is mixed into thefiltered water to produce the beverage. The drinks can be “houseformulas” or common mass market branded beverages licensed from themanufacturers.

The varied embodiments of the invention have multiple benefits:

-   -   On-Demand Pure Water: Unlimited filtered, pure water.        Potentially unhealthy contaminants are filtered out of water.    -   On-Demand Custom Beverages: Customers can enjoy many of their        favorite branded beverages, produced with very pure water,        chilled to the correct temperature. Option to make sparkling        beverages available in certain machine models.    -   Reduction of CO2: No need to transport heavy bottled beverage to        point of consumption. Each machine in use lowers carbon        emissions.    -   Space Savings: No need to stock voluminous beverages saves space        in the fridge/kitchen/pantry.    -   Health Benefit: Improved hydration resulting from more        convenient and better hydration options including better        concentration, better circulation, and overall general better        health.    -   Financial Benefit: Capsule cost approximately 2-3% of the cost        of regular bottled water and approximately 33% of the cost of        bottled beverages.

The peeling method of accessing the capsule offers an effective andefficient way to prepare and deliver a beverage. A mechanical device isadapted to peel off some or all of the top cover of a capsule.Alternatively, a drive motor to rotate it toward a cutter to cut orscrape the top cover of the capsule. Alternatively, slight crease couldbe included in a lip of the capsule that can be used to break the sealand allow the cover to then be peeled back. When the cover is peeledback (tearing or scraping) the drink is mixed with a mixing stream ofliquid, which in many embodiments will be water, either cold or hot,sparkling or not. Testing has been successful in flushing a drink powderconcentrate out of a capsule using a stream of water from an ordinarysink faucet as well as in controlled experiments in a fully functioningtest rig.

In another embodiment, the invention includes capsule that includes oneor more creases at the interface between the capsule cover and thecapsule body. Forces may be applied to the capsule to open the capsuleat the creases to access the beverage. The beverage may be mixed in thecapsule using a mixing stream into the capsule, vibration to get thematerial in the capsule out of the capsule for mixing outside thecapsule or a combination of both. In many embodiments a finishing streamis used to direct the mixing stream into the container that is filledwith the mixed beverage.

It may be advantageous to promote a controlled tear in the crease of thecapsule which can ensure a smooth opening of the capsule. The controlledtear can serve to lower the force required to open the capsule and/orprovide a more uniform and repeatable tear to open the capsule. A raisedleading edge on the mechanism used to open the capsule can serve toprovide a controlled tear. The raised leading edge can be located suchthat it would facilitate opening the capsule along a longitudinal centerline of the capsule or it may be off the centerline of the capsule sothat the peal will be initiated off the centerline and travel along acrease to open the capsule.

Specific technical achievements of the invention may include:

-   -   Easy Recycling: The capsule is recyclable in the common aluminum        recycling stream along with aluminum cans. No special treatment        or collection is required for recycling. The capsules are free        of residue or contaminants (such as coffee grinds).    -   Bacteria Control: All mixing occurs in the capsule, so there is        no cross contamination between the possible sugary substances        dispensed by the machine and the machine itself. The finished        product leaves the capsule and goes directly into the customer        glass.    -   Sterilization: The mixing chamber may be self sterilizing either        by heat or UV light, depending on the machine make and model.    -   Finishing Stream for Excellent Mixing Characteristics: A        finishing stream mixes any powder or liquid which may have made        it into the beverage container (e.g. glass). This relatively        powerful jet creates a vortex in the glass/receptacle thereby        providing additional mixing. Optionally, certain machines may        have a secondary washable mixing funnel where additional mixing        may take place for certain beverage types.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1A is a cross section taken along section lines 1A-1A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 illustrates a detail view of a capsule insertion in theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A illustrates a detail cross section taken along section lines2A-2A in FIG. 2 with a capsule inserted in the dispenser device;

FIGS. 2B-2D illustrates the capsule opening process and beverage mixingaccording to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3A is a cross section taken along section lines 3A-3A in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a capsule insertion in the embodiment ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross section taken along section lines 4A-4A inFIG. 4 with a capsule oriented for insertion into the dispenser device;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention with the capsule in the dispenser;

FIG. 5A is a cross section taken along section lines 5A-5A in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a capsule insertion in the embodiment ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 6A illustrates a cross section taken along section lines 6A-6A inFIG. 6 with a capsule disposed in the dispenser device;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7A is a cross section taken along section lines 7A-7A in FIG. 7;

FIG. 7B details a mixing action possible with the invention,specifically, for example, the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention which illustrates a manner of crushing the capsule;

FIG. 8A is a cross section taken along section lines 8A-8A in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 details a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for thedispensing a beverage according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary system schematic which describes the flow pathsfor fluids in the beverage dispenser;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another embodiment of the present inventionwhere vibration is used in the beverage mixing and/or dispensingprocess;

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B illustrate details of the capsule openingprocess in the embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 7 ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 14A-14F illustrate details of the capsule opening process for theembodiment disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 7;

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate bottom, side and end views, respectively, of acapsule of the present invention;

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate bottom, and end views, respectively, of another,larger capsule of the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a capsule that canbe used with the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 21.

The figures are illustrative and do not limit the scope or range of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from acontainer by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, theexemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to (1) a capsuleand (2) a dispenser with a mechanism for opening a capsule and (3) anautomated method of dispensing of the contents from such container intoa customer receptacle or glass with an option to eject capsule at theend of the drink preparation cycle. Each of these areas will bedescribed in more detail below:

(1) the Container/Capsule:

The capsule is comprised of three parts, all of which, in a preferredembodiment are made from aluminum, though other materials, such asbiodegradable materials and plastics are possible with the presentinvention:

-   -   aluminum foil covering the top of the capsule,    -   a receptacle for holding the mixing agents, which may be in        powder form and also in liquid form. The receptacle may a        variety of shapes, such as an oval which has been cut in half        when the receptacle is viewed from the top, and    -   a more rigid top edge of the receptacle which may be formed from        the same or different material from the receptacle and to which        the foil is affixed by some bonding agent, such as glue.

In one embodiment of the invention, the capsule comprises a preformedbody or receptacle defining a filling cavity. The body has an openingand an integral planar circumferential rim surrounding opening. Theopening is closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to thecircumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing glue.

The circumferential rim has a flat dispensing part on either end whichis covered by the cover sheet e.g. aluminum foil, which cover sheet issealed to the dispensing part by at least two outwardly directed sealingseams on each side, joining the circumferential sealing seam andextending at a distance from one another from the circumferentialsealing seam to the edge of the dispensing part on either end.

A weakened seal extends between the two directed sealing seams on theperpendicular sides: The notch between the two points is directedtowards the cavity and the weakened sealing seam joins the respectiveoutwardly directed sealing seams at a distance from the location wherethe respective outwardly directed seals join the circumferential seal.

There are two sizes of capsules, one approximately 20 cc and anotherapproximately 40 ccs. Of course, other sizes are contemplated in thisinvention. One difference between the two sizes is the volume of thereceptacle part of the capsule, which in the larger version is longerand more voluminous as it is able to hold more mixing agent(s). The topsof the capsules are identical allowing them to fit in the same chamberfeeding and ejection mechanism in the machine. The capsule contains apowder or a liquid concentrate. According to an embodiment of theinvention the substance, e.g. powder or syrup or substance for energydrink or other drinks is dispensed directly from the container into aserving container, e.g. a cup or a bottle. Also the water is dispensedinto the serving container such that mixing may take place in theserving container thereby preventing the contamination of the dispensingapparatus with the substance. The capsules are described in more detailin connection with the illustrations below.

(2) The Dispenser for Opening Such Capsule.

Another aspect of the invention is the dispenser for opening thecapsule. In general, to operate the machine, a user lifts a lid locatedat the top of the machine. The user would then insert the aluminumcapsule into the tray slot or sized opening to hold the capsule andcloses down the lid. An optional optical scanner can be used to read anoptional barcode on the capsule to ensure the proper mixing process isactivated by a control system which could include a central processingunit. The capsule is opened by a process of pinching and peeling thecapsule. In one embodiment the edge of the capsule rim is pinchedtightly by the lid mechanism and some of the top of the capsule ispeeled off by a feeder mechanism that grabs the trailing end of thecapsule and breaks open the seam and then pulls on the cover to peel thecover away from the capsule. This initial portion of the seam mayrequire the most force to open and can be accomplished by the user. Whenthe cover breaks the seal, a servomotor that produces less torque can beselected to reduce cost and complexity of the machine. In thisembodiment, the capsule can be rotated (e.g., swung down about 45°-90from horizontal) to facilitate the breaking and peeling of the cover ontop part of the capsule.

A support surface or rim supports the cover sheet and keeps the leadingedge firmly gripped, but allows the cover sheet to peel along theoutwardly directed sealing seams on the dispensing part of the rim anddown along the sides. The seams may be optional if upon the selection ofan appropriate cover material or configuration enables the tearconsistently along a desired path at a predetermined force. This way ofopening the container requires no cutting means or other means adaptedto open the container that could be contaminated with the substance,which is advantageous in view of hygiene and avoiding crosscontamination. Of course, as described in an alternative embodimentbelow, the capsule can be opened along a crease by opening one or bothedges. In either configuration, the capsule is provided with a concaveshape of the leading edge of the capsule has the beneficial effect ofdirecting the flow of the mixed product so that splashing andcontamination of the dispensing apparatus is reduced or prevented.

(3) The Automated Method of Dispensing of the Contents from SuchContainer.

The present invention contemplates a “cold infusion” Process in whichthe beverages in the La Vit machine are prepared through a cold“infusion” so that the maximum mixing per capsule is possible. A userintroduces an individually packaged capsule to a machine.

According to another aspect of the invention the substance, e.g. powder,syrup or other substance for an unsweetened or other drinks is dispenseddirectly from the container into a serving container, e.g. a cup or abottle. Also the water is dispensed into the serving container such thatmixing takes place in the serving container thereby preventing thecontamination.

Beverage Mixing: As the capsule enters a 45°-90° degree pouring angle,water is injected into the capsule and the powder or liquid inside thecapsule is mixed with the filtered water. Most or all of the mixing ofthe powder is achieved inside the capsule. The powder is agglomeratedand highly solvable by nature.

Optional Secondary Mixing: The water based mix feeds down via gravityinto a “funnel” or “capture tray” where a secondary mixing occurs. Thissecondary mixing will take place with the aid of water introduced intothe side of said funnel whereby a vortex created in the second mixingchamber. The funnel creates a vortex, which is complemented by a secondnozzle that adds more water to the mix. The mix then feeds down thefunnel and out the dispenser nozzle into a drink receptacle. This stepis optional and will depend on the machine model.

Pour Quality: The beverage exits the capsule (or the secondary mixingchamber) and pours directly into the customer receptacle/glass. Theprimary stream leaves the capsule and gravity feeds into the customerreceptacle.

Finish Stream: A relatively pressurized secondary stream of filteredwater is injected directly from the customer receptacle/glass causing anagitation in the glass, and thereby causing any unmixed powder or liquidto fully mix in the beverage contain—(e.g. glass).

Description of Exemplary Embodiments Illustrated in the Drawing Figures

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary beverage dispenser 10 of thepresent invention and FIG. 1A is a cross section taken along sectionlines 1A-1A in FIG. 1. The beverage dispenser 10 is suitable for a homeor business environment. As illustrated the dispenser 10 is generallyrectangular shaped and is adapted to be located on a kitchen counter orsome suitably sized table. While the overall size of the device is abouta 30 cm tall, 20 cm deep and 35 cm wide, the particular dimensions canchange without departing from the scope of the invention recited in thespecification.

The dispenser 10 includes an optional display 12 for conveying dispenserstatus information (such as dispensing, mixing, capsule not sizedproperly) or for other information that may be useful to a user,including information about the beverage being dispensed (such ascalorie count, ingredients, producer information) or evenadvertisements. The advertisements can be associated with particularbeverage choices so that if, for example, a person chooses a vitaminfilled drink, an advertisement may be oriented to associated healthrelated products or stores that sell associated health related products.FIG. 1 illustrates step 1 where the device provides the user withinitial instruction, such as, “select a beverage capsule”, “lift handle”and “insert capsule”. The instruction may have step numbers or lettersassociated with them to assist during the operation of the machine.Various images or icons can be used to represent the steps orinstructions. The icons can represent a step of the process or they canrepresent a condition of the machine, e.g., available, working, etc. orthey can represent a condition of the beverage, e.g., hot, tepid, cold,etc.

For example, the display can be programmed to illustrate the steps ofthe beverage dispensing process. Step 1 of the dispensing process mayinclude the display that provides the user with initial instruction,such as, “select a beverage capsule”, “lift handle” and “insertcapsule”. The instruction may have step numbers or letters associatedwith them to assist during the operation of the machine. Various imagesor icons can be used to represent the steps or instructions. The iconscan represent a step of the process or they can represent a condition ofthe machine, e.g., available, working, etc. or they can represent acondition of the beverage, e.g., hot, tepid, cold, etc. Another step,e.g., step 2, of the process may include a display in which informationfrom the device is displayed, for example, the device senses a steptaken, for example, a capsule has been inserted into the machine. Thescreen illustrates a request to “dispense” so that the process ofdispensing can begin. The user may then press the touch screen button oricon to begin the process of dispensing. Alternatively, a button on themachine may be used instead of or in addition to the touch screencontrol. The instruction can be separate from the icon which would startthe beverage dispensing process or it could be on the overlap with theinstruction. An additional step, e.g, step 3, can be where the displayis used to show the status of the machine during the dispensing process.An icon and/or words or phrases can be used to display the status of themachine. A final step, e.g., step 4 may be an exemplary screen displaysuitable for notifying the user that the beverage is ready and thedispensing process is complete. Again, word or icons may be used tocommunicate the message to the user. Also, although four steps are usedto describe the process, the present invention contemplates the use ofthe touch screen beverage dispensing process with more steps as part ofthe dispensing process. Fewer steps are also envisioned and are withinthe scope of the invention. Of course, other lights, such as LED lightsmay be used to illuminate various portions of the machine and thedispensing compartment in a manner that can provide additional lightingand/or communicate information to the user. The capsule bar code allowsthe machine to read the capsule and display information related to thecapsule or the correct steps. The programming can be updated using a USBkey or wirelessly.

Actuator buttons 14 and 16 are provided to enable the user to select aparticular beverage. Button 14, for example, can be selected fordispensing hot water and have an appropriate indicia to inform the userof the dispenser what the selection could be, in the illustration “H” isused. Alternatively, other indicia may be used such as color (e.g., red)or a wavy lines above a liquid symbol. Button 16, may be used toinitiate a beverage dispensing cycle where cold water is used to mix thebeverage and an appropriate indicia (such as the letter “C” can be used.Of course, other types of symbols may be used to indicate the actuatorfor dispensing a cold beverage. Additionally, optional sensors 18 may beused to determine the presence of a beverage container (not illustratedin FIG. 1) in an appropriate filling location 24 on the tray 22 of thebeverage dispenser.

The dispenser 10 includes an open-able door or cover 26 actuated by ahandle 28. The cover 26 is illustrated as being on the top of thedispenser but could be on the front or sides of the dispenser. The coveror door is used to access the capsule receiving compartment 30 portionof the dispenser and as illustrated in FIG. 1A the cover includes apivot 27 which enables the door to swing open. Of course, other types ofmechanisms can be used. A mechanism for mixing and dispensing a beverageis according to an embodiment of the invention is described below. Aremovable bin 40 with sides created by walls 42 may be used to storeused capsules as described below. A rear portion 44 of the dispenser 10may be used to house a CPU and other electronic components 46, a watercontainer or a chiller (referenced in FIG. 10) for cooling water. Aheater (referenced in FIG. 10) useful for heating water may be supplied.As an optional desirable feature, the beverage dispenser may include awindow showing the actual filter or a representation of a filter whichcommunicates to the user that the water moving through the system isbeing filtered.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the dispenser 10 also includes an optionalmixing funnel 48 which can be used to guide the water into the beveragecontainer and assist in the mixing process. The mixing funnel can shapedin a variety of ways and serves to guide the beverages. The mixingfunnel may be optionally provided with a nozzle 92 dispensing asecondary mixing stream 94. Additionally, other type of beverage guidestructures can be used to guide the fluid into the beverage container.For example, although not illustrated in this embodiment, the fluid canbe guided along the inside, or even outside, of a tube or cylinder sothat the stream is smoothed out. The finishing tube or cylinder can bein addition to or in the place of the mixing funnel.

Instead of or in addition to the mixing funnel 48, a nozzle 45 canprovide a finishing stream of liquid 230, e.g. Water. The location ofthe finishing stream nozzle 45 is preferably in front of (from the viewof a user) the mixing stream from funnel 48, if present, or the mixingstream from the capsule as described in detail below. The finishingstream can be used in addition to the mixing stream, in place of themixing stream (should the user only want a filtered beverage). If thebeverage mix within the capsule is deposited in beverage containerwithout the mixing stream, the finishing; stream can mix the beverage inthe mixing container. Additionally, when the finishing stream is used,as described in more detail below, the turbulent (and perhaps lessaesthetically pleasing) stream can be covered by the more laminarfinishing stream thus providing the user a more aesthetically pleasingbeverage dispensing experience.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detail view of a capsule insertion in theembodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A illustrates a detail cross sectiontaken along section lines 2A-2A in FIG. 2 with a capsule inserted in thedispenser device. FIG. 2A also illustrates two capsules 50, 52 which canbe used to contain the mix which can be mixed by the dispenser 10. Inthis embodiment of the invention, the capsules have a rectangular (orsquare) top 54, 56, respectively with a arched curved bottom 60, 62,respectively. The arched surface configuration can be modified to fitmore or less beverage mix. For example, a smaller capsule 50 may contain20 ccs of material and the larger capsule 52 may contain 40 ccs of mix.A larger capsule 52 may be desirable for more mix to produce a strongerbeverage, sweetener to produce a sweeter beverage or for any materialthat may be mixed that can take up more volume than available in the 20cc size. The elements of capsules 50, 52 are described in more detail,which include a lip 68 onto which is disposed (usually with glue, notshown) a cover 70 which may, in an embodiment be foil. The lip providesrigidity for the capsule. In a preferred embodiment, a foil cover isglued or otherwise sealed to the lip so that it is securely attached tothe capsule and the material is sealed within the capsule untildispensed by the dispenser.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the capsule opening process and beverage mixingaccording to a first embodiment of the invention which can be describedas a pinch and peel process. As described in more detail below, aportion of the foil is securely held (“pinched”) and then a mechanismswings the capsule to tear or “peel” the capsule to open it up, enablingthe beverage to be mixed. Thus the opening method for the capsule forthis embodiment is by tearing or peeling the top foil of the capsule sothat the beverage can (optionally) be mixed in the capsule itself toreduce the process of contaminating the dispenser with powder or unmixeddrink that could allow for bacteria to grow. A capsule 50, 52 isselected for mixing the beverage and fits within the slot 64 on a frame72 that swings on a hinge 74 during the dispensing process as describedbelow. Once a capsule 50, 52 is slid into the slot 64 so that it issecurely held on three sides (FIG. 2A) the cover 26 is closed on a hinge27 in a direction illustrated by an arrow.

An optical reader 80 may be used to scan information from the capsule sothat information about the capsule and its contents may be processed ina CPU containing the electronic package 46 (shown schematically inFIG. 1) of the beverage dispenser 10. In that way the beverage dispensercan ensure that any programmable variables (e.g., temperature, volume,mixing parameters, etc.) may be incorporated into the mixing process ofthe beverage dispenser for a particular drink.

Returning to the process of opening the capsule, as the user closes thelid, the lid (or some other part of the feeder mechanism 78 grabs thetrailing end 58 of the foil and “breaks” open the seam. This initialfirst portion of the seam is the hardest to open and is accomplished bythe user by pressing down on the lid 26. Once cracked open, a servomotor (not shown) rotates a gear 82 that in turn rotates a follower gear84 that swings the frame 72 around hinge 74. As the frame 72 swings downa portion of the cover 70 that is held stationary and the remainder ofthe capsule swings down as illustrated in FIG. 2C. Optionally, thecapsule is “cracked” open by the force of the cover and not by theservo-motor inside the dispenser. This allows the use of a smaller servomotor and ensures its longevity. In this mechanism, the foil is notpunctured at all, thus reducing the possibility of contamination bywhatever may be on the puncturing surface. The separation from the coversheet from the dispensing part of the capsule then progresses along theweakened seal towards the outwardly directed sealing seams. This way ofopening the capsule requires no cutting means or other means adapted toopen the capsule that could get contaminated with the substance, whichis advantageous in view of hygiene and avoiding cross contamination.Also illustrated in FIG. 2C, a mixing stream 86 is provided from nozzle88 which mixes the contents of the capsule in the container and then themixing stream is allowed to flow into mixing funnel 48 by a secondarynozzle 92 (FIG. 2C) so that the mixed beverage can be guided (andperhaps further mixed) in the funnel as it is directed to the mixedbeverage container. An optional, though often desirable, finishingstream can be directed downward in a direction toward the beveragecontainer 90. The finishing stream 230 from nozzle 45 can help mix thebeverage (out of the capsule) and direct the mixed beverage to the glass90. The funnel may be optional if the finishing stream is optimally andappropriately designed.

Once the beverage is dispensed, the capsule is ready to be placed in theused capsule bin of the beverage dispenser as illustrated in FIG. 2D.The feeder mechanism releases the edge 58 of the foil from its securelocation and the capsule can fall into the container by gravity. Theframe is preferably oriented so that the slots direct the used capsuletoward the used capsule container. The beverage is dispensed, thecapsule has been disposed in the used capsule bin and the dispenser isready to dispense another beverage. An optical detector 43 senses whenthe used capsule compartment is full and prompts a message on display 12to empty the bin.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention and FIG. 3A is a cross section taken along sectionlines 3A-3A in FIG. 3. In this embodiment one or both of the front andback edges of a specially constructed capsule are “cracked” open along aseam to allow the beverage device to be (optionally) mixed in thecapsule. The overall shape and contours of the dispenser may be the same(and similar features of the dispenser housing are identified with thelike numbers), the process of opening a capsule is different.

In the second embodiment the dispenser 100 includes a cover 126, thecover is configured to close about a hinge 127. A sensor 80 can bedisposed in the housing to read symbolic instructions on the capsule.The capsules, illustrated in FIG. 4, can be two sizes, a 20 cc and a 40cc. The principle difference between the sizes is the volume of thelower part of the capsule. FIG. 4A also illustrates two capsules 150,152 which can be used to contain the mix which can be mixed by thedispenser 100. In this embodiment of the invention, the capsules have arectangular (or square) top 154, 156, respectively with an concavebottom 160, 162, respectively. The concave surface configuration can bemodified to fit more or less beverage mix. For example, a smallercapsule 150 may contain 20 ccs of material and the larger capsule 152may contain 40 ccs of mix. A larger capsule may be desirable for moremix to produce a stronger beverage, sweetener to produce a sweeterbeverage or for any material that may be mixed that can take up morevolume than available in the 20 cc size. The elements of capsule 50 aredescribed in more detail, which includes a lip 168 onto which isdisposed (usually with glue, not shown) a cover 170 which may be, in anembodiment, foil. The lip or rolled edge provides rigidity for thecapsule. In a preferred embodiment, a foil cover is glued to the lip sothat it is securely attached to the capsule and the material is sealedwithin the capsule. The capsules 150 and 152 are described in moredetail in connection with FIGS. 15-20.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention with the capsule 150 in the dispenser 100 and FIG. 5Ais a cross section taken along section lines 5A-5A in FIG. 5. FIG. 6illustrates a view of a capsule insertion in the embodiment of FIG. 5and FIG. 6A illustrates a cross section taken along section lines 6A-6Ain FIG. 6 with a capsule disposed in the dispenser device. The capsule150 or 152 is disposed in an opening in a frame 200 which is sized toaccommodate the capsule at the base of the lip 168. Once disposed in theframe 200 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5A, the cover is closed on ahinge 127 which closes the cover to the dispenser. As illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 6A, the cover includes a portion 129 that is disposed facingthe top of the capsule in the frame 200. An optical reader 80 in theportion 129 scans information from the capsule and sends it to the CPU(not shown in this FIG.).

The frame 200 includes three sections 202, 204 and 206. Section 204 isthe central portion of the frame and forms a seat to securely hold thecapsule as the ends of the capsule are opened. Section 202, in the frontof the capsule and section 206 in the rear are attached to the centralportion 204 by hinge pieces 210 and 212 respectively. The hinge piece210 allows the front section 202 to swing upward with respect to thecentral portion 204. Likewise, the hinge piece 212 allows the rearsection to swing upward with respect to the central portion 204.

In the position seen in FIGS. 6 and 6A the frame 200 can be consideredto be in an “at rest” position with the front section, central portionand rear section aligned in a planar relationship by springs or the like(not shown). The front section 202 rests on side rails or guides 214.The rails 214 act as both cams and stops as described below. A furthercam 216 sits just below the bottom surface of the rear section 206 asbest seen in FIG. 6A. From the Position seen in FIG. 6A, the usermanually presses downward on the front portions of the capsule lip 168to pivot counter clockwise about hinge 212. Rails 214 act as stops whenthe capsule ends have been fully cracked open as seen in FIG. 7A. Theuser may then release the cover during the mixing and dispensing cyclesas a mechanism (not shown) retains the cover and frame in their downpositions until after the crush cycle. As detailed in connection withFIGS. 17-20, the capsule includes a crease that allows for a controlledcrack and opening the ends of the capsule as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and7A. It is the relative movement between the center portion 204 and thefront and rear portions 202 and 206 enabled by the hinges 210 and 212which allow the capsule to open. Of course, various mechanism can beused to create the relative motion between the front and rear sectionsand the central section. For example, the center section can be loweredby a servo mechanism or the front and rear sections can be moved withrespect to the center section by a servo mechanism that would allow forhinged motion between the front section and the center section and therear section and the center section. Additionally, while there are twohinged pieces, it is within the scope of the invention to include asingle hinged piece and open only one side of the capsule to enable themixture to pour out. Further, the terms front and rear are fororientation purposes and should not be seen as limiting the descriptionof the invention. It is possible that the capsule could be orientedalong an angle different than front to back illustrated and the pourmechanism could be adjusted accordingly. Moreover, the opening andmixing could be from front to rear.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, in one embodiment of the invention, the mixin the capsule is allowed to exit the capsule prior to the addition of aliquid. In this embodiment, the mixing can occur in a mixing funneland/or in the beverage container itself. FIG. 7B illustrates alternativemixing possibilities. A nozzle 218 fixed within the rear section 206provides mixing stream 220 to stream water into the capsule. Asillustrated, the mixing stream 220 is fixed within the frame 200.Alternatively, it could be outside the frame and oriented in a way thatallows the stream to enter the top of the capsule so that the water canmix with the beverage mix. The amount, force and temperature of themixing stream can be adjusted according to the particular mix or it canremain fixed in the device. Additionally, a finishing stream 230 fromNozzle 45 can be used to add additional water not needed to mix with thebeverage mix. For example, in an 8 oz. serving, 3 ounces of water may beused to mix the beverage and 5 oz. may be included in the finishing mix.This allows the appropriate amount of water to be used with mixingwithout unduly delaying the time needed to complete the mixing andbeverage dispensing process. Additionally, since the finishing streammay be different than the mixing stream, the temperature of the mixingstream water may be heated to ensure that the beverage mix is completelydissolved. Chilled water can be used as the finishing stream to ensurethat the overall temperature of the beverage is at a desired, cool,temperature. Another benefit of the use of an optional finishing streamis that it can assist in creating a laminar flow of beverage out of themachine so that a user of the beverage dispenser gets a more pleasingview of laminar flow out of the dispenser and not a turbulent flow ofmixed beverage. Such a finishing stream can assist in the process ofensuring that use of the device is a pleasant and soothing experience sothat one can enjoy the process of preparing a beverage.

As described above, with either embodiment, there are severalalternatives which can be employed in the mixing process. All the liquidto create the beverage may be introduced by the mixing stream. Thiswould ensure the entire beverage is mixed and minimize the need for analternative mixing arrangement. Without a finishing stream, thedispenser would be simplified. With the advantages of a finishingstream, the presently contemplated usage of the beverage dispenser iswith both a mixing stream and a finishing stream. The proportion of theamounts of the finishing stream and the mixing stream can vary and evenbe adjusted by beverage. Another alternative design contemplated is theuse of a “finishing stream” with the beverage mix being allowed to exitthe capsule by gravity.

The origination and orientation of the finishing stream can also vary.The finishing stream can be oriented to enter the beverage containerfrom an oblique angle and contribute to the mixing process in thebeverage container. A pleasant swirling may be created in the glasswhich can contribute to aesthetically pleasing attributes of thedispenser. The finishing stream may be introduced to the mixing streamunder (and along side) the lower opening of the capsule. In this theorientation of the mixing stream is kept in line with the finishingstream and the finishing stream can introduce a laminar flow quality tothe beverage mixing stream and contribute to another type of pleasingaspect to the dispensing beverage. Finally, the finishing stream can beoriented so that it joins the mixing stream as the mixing stream exitsthe capsule. This would allow for the laminar flow to be furtherintroduced to the beverage dispensing stream. If different temperaturesare used for the mixing stream and the finishing stream, it would allowthe mixing to equalize the temperature to the desired temperature. Sincewarmer water dissolves the beverage mix more uniformly, it would likelybe warm/hot water could be used to mix the beverage and it would bemixed with chilled or cooler water so that the overall temperature ofthe beverage is at a desired temperature. The use of warmer water in themixing stream may also allow for less water to be passed through themixing capsule and speed the delivery of the mixed beverage. Of course,it is possible to use cooler water in the mixing capsule and warmerwater in the finishing stream.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention which illustrates a manner of crushing the capsule andFIG. 8A is a cross section taken along section lines 8A-8A in FIG. 8. Inthis embodiment the beverage has been dispensed and the capsule must beremoved from the frame in order to allow the beverage dispenser to beavailable to receive another capsule and dispense another beverage. Inthis embodiment, the central section 204 is contains two moveablefingers, a left finger 204 a and a right finger 204 b. The left andright fingers slide laterally toward the capsule so that the capsule iscrushed. The left and right arms 204 a and 204 b pass through slots inthe sidewalls of the capsule receiving compartment 30 and are actuatedby linear actuators (not shown). The capsule is preferably made from alight, crushable material, such as a thin aluminum sheet. Once thecapsule is crushed, the capsule will fall through the opening in theframe.

An optional mechanism 240 to release the empty capsule container toallow for it to fall into the container is illustrated. This mechanism240, which can be mechanically controlled or controlled by the CPUincludes a linear actuator motor which can move a wall 242 so that it isoriented to receive the capsule, as illustrated in FIG. 8A. The CPU canalso control the frame to be oriented for the process of dispensinganother beverage. Of course, springs (not illustrated) can be providedso that the central portions 204 a and 204 b are returned to theposition for accepting another capsule.

FIG. 9 details a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for thedispensing a beverage according to the present invention. The exemplaryprocess includes a step 300 of dispenser workflow that can be shown onthe touchscreen on the housing 10. In step 305, the device senses if abeverage container, such as a glass, is present and what size thecontainer is. The device reads a code on the capsule and determinesproportion size per container according to step 310. In step 315, thedevice prompts the user to press down on the handle or otherwiseinitiate capsule seal breakage. In step 320, the dispenser requests thatthe user activate the hot or cold water beverage selection. It is alsopossible that the beverage mixing process could be initiated by thepressing down on the cover to break the capsule. Various automationfeatures could be included to facilitate the initiation of the mixingprocess and automate the variety of the mixing process.

In step 325 the display screen displays the status of the dispensingbeverage. In step 330, the liquid being dispensed is timed out. In step335 the device prompts user that the beverage is dispensed and invitesthe user to remove the beverage container from the dispenser. When thedevice senses that the beverage container has been removed, the recycleprocess is initiated in step 340 and the fingers of central portion 204a and 204 b move to crush the capsule. The recycle door also opens instep 340. In step 345, the capsule drops to the recycle bin and then therecycle bin is closed in 350 and the system may be purged in step 355.

Other system functions may be communicated with words or icons in thesystem. Certain functions can be performed by the machine andillustrated on the touch screen either to inform the user that a stepshould be taken or to notify the user of the status of the machine. Forexample, the touch screen can be used to instruct the user to purge thesystem. Additionally, an exemplary screen can be used to alert the userthat the trash bin is full and requires emptying. The dispenser canalert the user when the cold water tank is empty and requires filling.Of course the machine may have a connection line to a source of water,such as tap water, in which case the user may be alerted to issuesrelated to water feed or to problems with the connection. A hot and coldwater source may be provided. Finally, if filters are used in thedevice, a screen for instructing the user to change the filter at theappropriate time may be provided. Appropriate timing for the change infilter, e.g., per number of uses, per number of days, etc. can be builtinto the programming. The screen can be customized if desired to allowfor periodic cleaning or replacement of the “pre filter” and “polishfilter” at different cycle times. Also various images or icons can beused to inform and entertain the user during the preparation anddispensing cycle. The images and icons can be still or moving.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary system schematic 450 which describes the flowpaths for fluids in the beverage dispenser. Water can be supplied by tapwater conduit 452 and/or a refillable water tank 454. The refillabletank may have approximately 2-5 liters capacity. The tank should havesufficient capacity to enable several beverages to be prepared seriallywithout extensive delay for chilling or refilling the tank. A pump 456may be used to move water through a conduit 458 from the water tank 454toward a system valve 460 which controls the source of the water to beused in the dispensing. The system valve 460 may be used to shut off thewater to the dispenser. The pre filter 430 is disposed along conduitline 462. The prefilter may be a commercially available filter suitablefor the purpose of purifying the water and removing impurities. Aconduit valve 464 controls the finish water circuit 466 and the purgecircuit 490. A dispensing pump 470 is also provided along the conduit466 to provide fluid to dispense from the dispenser.

In units that provide both heated and chilled beverages, the unit may beconfigured as illustrated with a hot water tank 472 and arefrigeration/chiller unit 474. Various valves 476, 478 and 480 andconduits 466, 482, 484, 486, 488 connect the components. The dispenseroutlets 494, 496 are used to dispense water from the system.

The dispenser according to the present invention may include a“sanitizing loop” which disinfects all post filter non chlorinatedconduits so that bacteria in the conduits and components is addressed inan effective manner. Conduits, for example, can be cleaned by openingvalves 480, 478 and 476 to allow for the conduits to cycle the hotwater. Other types of cleaning/disinfecting designs can be used, forexample the conduits can have an inner and an outer fluid conduits whichallow for cleansing fluid to be circulated around.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another embodiment of the present inventionwhere vibration is used in the beverage mixing and/or dispensingprocess. In this embodiment, the capsule 152 is disposed in the centerportion 504 of frame 500 and the frame front section 502 and the framerear section 506 is hinged (at 510 and 512) as described in the earlierembodiment. Here, the orientation of the capsule 152 is disposedadjacent a vibration mechanism 520 which is an eccentric weighted arm522 connected by a shaft 524 to a rotary motor (not shown). As therotary motor rotates the eccentric weight, the vibration created in thecapsule 152 mixes the beverage mix in the capsule. The location of thevibration device can be anywhere along the concave portion of thecapsule. This can serve to facilitate and make easier the beveragemixing process. Additionally, the vibration may serve to facilitate themovement of the beverage mix out of the capsule and into a mixing area.In a preferred form, illustrated in FIG. 11B, the vibration is engagedwhen the mixing occurs to ensure that the mix is fully wetted anddissolved into the mixing water.

Vibration can be used with a mixing stream as illustrated. It can alsobe used with a mixing and a finishing stream. Finally, it is possiblethat the vibration can be designed such that a sufficient amount ofmaterial is vibrated from the capsule and is able to mix in the beveragecontainer or in a mixing funnel.

Also illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B is an additional feature of theframe 500 which enables a more consistent opening of the capsule duringthe opening process. A raised portion 540 on the front of the frame 502provides a focal place to make an initial crack in the seal of thecapsule. Once the initial opening has taken place, the opening willfollow the crease along the front and rear ends of the capsule andensure a smooth and consistent opening process which includes the lowestforce required and the most predictable pattern across the front andrear end of the capsule. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the capsule duringmixing is oriented at angle such that the mixing and pouring from thecapsule is facilitated. The side of the capsule (the concave section)can be oriented a few degrees off horizontal as indicated in thehorizontal line at the bottom of the capsule.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B illustrate details of the capsule openingprocess in the embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 5-7 and 11of the present invention. In particular the front section of the frameincludes a raised portion 540 along the symmetric center of the capsule.Of course, the raised portion can be on both the front and the back ofthe portions on the frame. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, which illustratesa capsule opened using a frame with a raised portion, the opened section520 is smooth and consistent along the crease of the capsule. Opening522 which is created without a raised portion 540 is illustrated forcomparison. FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an alternative embodiment of araised portion 550 on the frame. In this embodiment, it is disposed adistance away from the centerline of the capsule. This will facilitatethe opening of the capsule along the crease across the front (or rear)of the capsule. As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the capsule is opened at 524with the raised portion 550 off the centerline.

FIGS. 14A-14F illustrate details of the capsule opening process for theembodiment disclosed in FIGS. 5, 7 and 11 in which a crease isillustrated in the capsule. In the illustrated capsule 600 in FIG. 14A,the capsule includes a bottom portion 602 and a lip 604. The edge of thefoil cover 606 overhangs the lip slightly. The capsule 600 isconstructed with a crease 610, 612 in the front and rear, respectively,along the underside of the lip 604. The crease serves to create apredetermined path for the capsule to open. As illustrated in FIG. 14B.FIGS. 14C and 14D illustrate a particular location of a crease orweakened section 610. The tear line is immediately below the lip 604 andproduces an opening as illustrated in FIG. 14D. The opening may have asmoother edge depending on the type of material the capsule isconstructed from, and the type of groove or weakened section is in thecapsule. FIGS. 14E and 14F illustrate an alternative location for acrease 620. The crease or breaking edge is in the lip 604 so that thebreaking and opening mechanism is able to smoothly peel the lid off theedge of the capsule as illustrated in the open capsule in FIG. 14F. Inthis configuration, the opening can be either between the foil and thelip (e.g., by separating at the glue or the point of affixation betweenthe lip and the foil) or it can be below the top surface of the lip anda portion of the lip can be cracked back with the foil.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate bottom, side and end views, respectively, of acapsule 700 of the present invention which may be used with the secondembodiment of the invention. The capsule 700 includes a foil cover 702,a lip or curled portion 704 and a concave body portion 706. The concavebody portion which is intended to hold the mix material. The bottom ofthe concave body portion may include a flattened section 710. Theflattened section can assist in stabilizing the capsule on a table andstacking the capsules in a column. The sides of the concave body can beshaped in a manner that enables proper pressing of the material tocreate the concave material. The lip portion 704 can be formed duringthe same process of the body portion. Alternatively, the lip portion canbe added after the body forming process in a secondary assembly processwhich could streamline the formation of the body portion. The foil coverseals the beverage mix in the capsule. Glue or some other material maybe used to create the seal. The seal may be flat as illustrate, oralternatively, it could have a different contour or orientation withrespect to the edge of the capsule. A crease or weakened section 712,714 may be provided to the lip or to body adjacent the lip. The weakenedsection may be perforated or a thinned section of material. The edge ofthe weakened section may extend a certain portion around the capsule asillustrated, it could be along a portion of the capsule, up to about onefourth of the longitudinal direction of the capsule as illustrated inFIG. 15 reference distance a and b. Different dimensions may be providedfor a and b as needed for opening characteristics. The capsule can bedimension so that only a particular capsule may be used in the machine,and the capsule may have an irregular orientation so that only a capsulein a particular orientation may be used in the cartridge.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate top side and end views, respectively, of another,larger capsule 800 of the present invention which may be used with thesecond embodiment of the invention. The capsule 800 includes a foilcover 802, a lip or curled portion 804 and a concave body portion 806.The concave body portion which is intended to hold the mix material. Thebottom of the concave body portion may include a flattened section 810.The flattened section can assist in stabilizing the capsule on a tableand stacking the capsules in a column. The sides of the concave body canbe shaped in a manner that enables proper pressing of the material tocreate the concave material. The lip portion 804 can be formed duringthe same process of the body portion. Alternatively, the lip portion canbe added after the body forming process in a secondary assembly processwhich could streamline the formation of the body portion. The foil coverseals the beverage mix in the capsule. Glue or some other material maybe used to create the seal.

The seal may be flat as illustrated, or alternatively, it could have adifferent contour or orientation with respect to the edge of thecapsule. A crease or weakened section 812, 814 may be provided to thelip or to body adjacent the lip. The weakened section may be perforatedor a thinned section of material. The edge of the weakened section mayextend a certain portion around the capsule as illustrated, it could bealong a portion of the capsule, up to about one fourth of thelongitudinal direction of the capsule as illustrated in FIG. 18reference distance c and d. Different dimensions may be provided for cand d as needed for opening characteristics. The capsule can bedimension so that only a particular capsule may be used in the machine,and the capsule may have an irregular orientation so that only a capsulein a particular orientation may be used in the cartridge.

Additional Details of Invention

Using a peeling mechanism to open a capsule is unique and desirable wayto open the capsule. Peeling the capsule expands the amount of roominside the capsule allowing an agglomerated powder to have more room tomix with the filtered water. The edge snap method can be used with anyof the embodiments of the present invention. In a capsule mixing methodthe capsule mixing allows the mixed solution to quickly leave thecapsule allowing new water to constantly mix with a new layer of drypowder such that the powder does not become wet and form clots.Agglomerated powder does not mix readily when packed tightly. Thecapsule can be filled with powder or liquid. Optionally to use a powderor a liquid in the capsule. In either case, vibration may be used to mixthe material in the capsule with water.

Another advantage of the present invention is the exterior of thecapsule does not come into contact with the drink. There is no contactof finished product with the outside of the capsule, as there is nopuncture of foil lid or capsule base into the beverage. Most machineshave contact of the outside of the capsule and the finished beverage,which is not hygenic. The outside of the capsule has been handled in anon-sterile fashion. Automated Capsule Ejection prevents the usedcapsule from sitting and breeding bacteria inside the mixing chamber.Having an empty chamber allows for sterilization of said chamber.

-   -   Color Screen: offers customers branded beverage experience    -   The capsules are very eco-friendly and easily recyclable.    -   High quality premium look and feel of capsules and machine

While there are many puncture mechanisms which prepare and deliverbeverages, the La Vit peeling mechanism is believed to be a new way toprepare and deliver drinks By exposing the inside of the capsule to awater jet, the mechanism avoids any build up or clumping of the powderon any part of the capsule as the mixture flushes easily out of thecapsule allowing a complete and uniform mixing of the substance. Futuredevelopment could include introducing a different way to peel or openthe capsule, a different capsule shape, and a different way to mix theagents and water. When mixing occurs in the capsule and when empty, itis not prone to mildew or bacterial growth as other capsule based systemwhere the capsule is not flushed.

Commercial applications of the product include the office and homeprimarily but include hospitals, institutions, schools, hotels, cruiseboats and any environment where a point-of-use drink machine would beconvenient and beneficial.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a capsule that canbe used with the present invention. The walls 900 of the capsule form aconcave cup-like receptacle with an upper opening (looking up fromunderneath). A flat annular rim 901 defines the opening with an outwardfacing lip that does not protrude into the opening. The rim 901 has anedge 902 that can be curled under it for extra strength. The capsule andrim are not separately assembled, but are stamped from a single flatsheet of material, preferably aluminum.

The underside of the rim 902 has a linear weakened section 903 extendingapproximately one third the longitudinal dimension on each side of thecenterline at one or both longitudinal ends of the capsule. Thisweakened section 903 is located just at the junction where the rim meetsthe capsule body. The weakened section can be a groove, or it can bescored. Any technique to create a weakened section is within the scopeof the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of the capsule of FIG. 21. The concavereceptacle body 900 with a flat annular rim can be seen. The curled edge902 of the rim is visible in FIG. 22. The rim has a diameter or sizegreater than that of the body of the capsule. The upper surface of therim 901 can be flat and adapted to receive a flat lid or cap or anyother type of cover. A flat lid can be glued or bonded to the uppersurface of the rim.

FIG. 23 shows a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of a capsule usedwith the system. Looking at the capsule from the bottom, it can be seenthat the longitudinal dimension is greater than the lateral dimensionmaking it axi-symmetric (symmetric about the longitudinal axis andsymmetric about the lateral axis). While, the preferred embodiment isaxi-symmetric, any other shape is within the scope of the inventionincluding a symmetric capsule.

When the capsule is forced downward or pivoted downward, a protrudingmember or beak can engage a portion of the rim near either end. As thecapsule is further forced downward or pivoted, the rim tears along theweakened section causing the lid and a portion of the rim to separatefrom the capsule body.

1. A capsule stamped from a single piece of material for use in abeverage dispenser comprising: a concave receptacle part for containinga drink mix, the concave receptacle part having a receptacle wall with alongitudinal axis and longitudinal dimension, a lateral axis and lateraldimension and a vertical axis and vertical dimension, the longitudinaldimension being greater than the lateral dimension; the receptacle parthaving a substantially flat rim part with upper and lower surfacessurrounding an opening in the concave receptacle, the rim part having anabrupt junction with the receptacle wall and extending outward away fromthe opening, the rim part having longitudinal and lateral dimensionsgreater than the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the receptaclepart; the rim part configured to receive a flat cover disposed on theupper surface of the rim; wherein, the lower surface of the rim part hasa weakened section located at the junction between the rim part and thereceptacle wall extending around the receptacle on both sides up topoints located approximately one third the longitudinal dimension of thereceptacle; and wherein, the capsule is adapted to be opened by forcingthe capsule downward against a protruding member or beak that engagesonly the bottom surface of the rim part at approximately thelongitudinal centerline and continuing to mechanically force thereceptacle part to pivot downward causing the rim part to tear away fromthe receptacle part along the weakened section.
 2. The capsule of claim1 wherein the weakened section is scored.
 3. The capsule of claim 1wherein the weakened section is a crease or groove.
 4. The capsule ofclaim 1 wherein said opening approximately is oval-shaped.
 5. Thecapsule of claim 1 wherein said opening is axi-symmetric.
 6. The capsuleof claim 1 wherein the concave receptacle part contains a powder.
 7. Thecapsule of claim 1 wherein the concave receptacle part contains aliquid.
 8. The capsule of claim 1 wherein the concave receptacle part iscup-shaped.
 9. The capsule of claim 1 wherein the rim part has a curledouter lip.
 10. A capsule stamped from a single piece of materiel for usein mixing a beverage comprising: a cup-shaped container part with acontainer wall, the container part having an opening with a longitudinalaxis and a lateral axis, the opening having a longitudinal dimensiondefined by a first and second longitudinal endpoints on the longitudinalaxis, and having a lateral dimension defined by first and second lateralends on the lateral axis, the longitudinal dimension being greater thana lateral dimension; the capsule also having a flat annular rim partwith a top and bottom surface extending around the opening, the bottomsurface located on the plane defined by the longitudinal and lateralaxes; the rim part extending outward, but not inward, from the opening;the top surface of the rim part adapted to receive a flat lid; aweakened section in the bottom surface of the rim part where the rimpart meets the container wall, the weakened section extending fromeither the first or second longitudinal end to approximately one thirdthe longitudinal dimension on each side of the longitudinal axis; thecapsule adapted to be opened by engaging the bottom surface of the rimpart against a fixed protruding member or beak and applying forceagainst the capsule causing the capsule to move downward or to pivottearing the rim part from the container part along the weakened sectionso that the rim part and container wall separate, whereby a stream ofliquid can be delivered into the capsule causing contents to flow out ofthe capsule.
 11. The capsule of claim 10 further comprising two weakenedsections extending from both the first and second longitudinal end. 12.The capsule of claim 10 wherein the weakened section is scored.
 13. Thecapsule of claim 10 wherein the weakened section is a crease or groove.14. The capsule of claim 10 wherein said opening approximately isoval-shaped.
 15. The capsule of claim 10 wherein the opening isaxi-symmetric.
 16. The capsule of claim 10 wherein the cup-shapedcontainer contains a powder.
 17. The capsule of claim 10 wherein thecup-shaped container contains a liquid.
 18. The capsule of claim 10wherein the cup-shaped container is cup-shaped.
 19. The capsule of claim10 wherein the flat rim has a curled outer lip.
 20. A capsule stampedfrom a single piece of material for use in mixing a beverage comprising:a cup-shaped container part with a container wall, the container parthaving an opening with a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, theopening having a longitudinal dimension defined by a first and secondlongitudinal ends on the longitudinal axis, and having a lateraldimension defined by first and second lateral ends on the lateral axis,the longitudinal dimension being greater than a lateral dimension; thecontainer part also having a flat annular rim part with a top and bottomsurface extending around the opening, the bottom surface located on theplane defined by the longitudinal and lateral axes; the rim partextending outward, but not inward from the opening; the top surface ofthe flat annular rim adapted to receive a flat lid; a weakened sectionin the container wall, but not in the rim part, where the container wallmeets the rim part, the weakened section extending from either the firstor second longitudinal end to approximately one third the longitudinaldimension on each side of the longitudinal axis; the capsule adapted tobe opened by engaging the bottom surface of the rim part against a fixedprotruding member and applying force against the capsule causing thecapsule to move downward or to pivot tearing the container wall alongthe weakened section so that the rim part and container wall separate,whereby a stream of liquid can be delivered into the capsule causingcontents to flow out of the capsule.
 21. A capsule stamped from a singlepiece of materiel for use in mixing a beverage comprising: a cup-shapedcontainer part with a container wall, the container part having anopening with a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the opening havinga longitudinal dimension defined by a first and second longitudinalendpoints on the longitudinal axis, and having a lateral dimensiondefined by first and second lateral ends on the lateral axis, thelongitudinal dimension being greater than a lateral dimension; thecapsule also having a flat annular rim part with a top and bottomsurface extending around the opening, the bottom surface located on theplane defined by the longitudinal and lateral axes; the rim partextending outward, but not inward, from the opening; the top surface ofthe rim part adapted to receive a flat lid; a weakened section in thebottom surface of the rim part where the rim part meets the containerwall, the weakened section extending from either the first or secondlongitudinal end to approximately one third the longitudinal dimensionon each side of the longitudinal axis; the capsule adapted to be openedby clamping the rim part and applying force against the container wallcausing the capsule to move downward or to pivot tearing the rim partfrom the container part along the weakened section so that the rim partand container wall separate, whereby a stream of liquid can be deliveredinto the capsule causing contents to flow out of the capsule.